Category: Committees

Summary of Dupont Circle ANC 2B
Transportation & Public Infrastructure (TPI) Committee Meeting
April 17, 2019, 7 p.m., Dupont Resource Center, 9 Dupont Circle NW  

• DDOT’s Plans for the Protected Bike Lanes on 20th, 21st, 22nd Streets, NW.  The TPI Committee discussed the DC Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) recommended alternative following Public Meeting #3, held April 13, 2019, recommending 20th St. NW over 21st or 22nd St NW as the northern segment of the two-way projected north-south protected bicycle lanes. Discussion and recommendations to the ANC were deferred pending the end of the public comment period (May 13) and DDOT’s next phase of design (30% plans). 
• New TPI Committee Meeting Date.  The TPI Committee agreed to move its regular meeting date from the third to the fourth Wednesday of the month, pending approval by the ANC. Two members will prepare a schedule of meetings after having reviewed master calendars for dates potentially conflicting with this year’s fourth Wednesdays. Draft calendar below. 
• Review of the Charge, Operations, and Ethos of the TPI Committee. Given the addition of three new members to the committee, the remainder of the meeting was devoted to a review of the charge, operations, and ethos of the TPI committee, based on a draft prepared by Committee Chair Randy Downs.  Among the topics discussed and considered were the following:
  • The circulation among committee members of a summary of its actions and deliberations, followed by its forwarding to the ANC for publication;
  • The submission of TPI draft resolutions for review within a week of the meeting and then circulated to the Commission for review at least before the Sunday before the next ANC meeting;
  • Interface with the community, consistent with the committee’s role as an advisory body to the ANC;
  • Interpersonal discussion norms aimed at consensus but respecting dissent.

The committee expressed gratitude to Committee Chair Downs for his leadership in drafting and leading the discussion on improved committee operations, public outreach, and communication.

Draft 2019-2020 TPI Meeting Calendar

Date	Comment
May 22, 2019
June 26, 2019	Shavuot June 8-10
July 24, 2019
Aug 28, 2019
Sep 25, 2019	Rosh Hashana Sept 29-Oct 1
Oct 23, 2019	Yom Kippur Oct 8-9; Sukkot Oct 13-20; Simchat Torah Oct 21-22
Nov 20, 2019	Rescheduled because of Thanksgiving
Dec 18, 2019	Rescheduled because of Christmas Day; Chanukah Dec 22-30
Jan 22, 2020
Feb 26, 2020
Mar 25, 2020	Purim Mar 9-10
April 22, 2020	Passover Apr 8-16
May 27, 2020	Shavuot May 28-30
June 24, 2020
July 22, 2020
Aug 26, 2020
Sep 23, 2020	Rosh Hashana Sept 18-20; Yom Kippur Sept 27-28
Oct 28, 2020	Sukkot Oct 2-9; Simchat Torah Oct 10-11
Nov 19, 2020	Rescheduled because of Thanksgiving
Dec 17, 2020	Rescheduled because of Christmas Day; Chanukah Dec 10-18

 

Summary of Dupont Circle ANC
Transportation & Public Infrastructure (TPI) Committee Meeting
May 22, 2019, 7 p.m., Dupont Resource Center, 9 Dupont Circle

• DC Council’s Vision Zero Legislation. TPI Committee members discussed the DC Council’s Vision Zero legislation. The DC Council is considering three bills calling for better infrastructure, enforcement of existing laws, and planning for a more equitable, less car-dependent transportation system. 
• • The TPI Committee will draft a resolution for the Dupont Circle ANC in support of the plan generally, drawing attention to specific items that it deems especially important. More information about Vision Zero is available here: https://ddot.dc.gov/page/vision-zero-initiative
  • Committee members generally supported reducing speed limits to improve safety if other efforts do not achieve the desired calming.
  • Committee members were generally not supportive of a proposed “citizen safety enforcement” pilot program that would train 20 people in each of D.C.’s eight wards to identify and report specific parking offenses via a mobile phone app. 
• Mayor Bowser’s Plan to Shift Oversight for Traffic Cameras to the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT).  TPI Committee members discussed Mayor Bowser’s proposal to shift oversight for automated traffic enforcement (cameras) from the D.C. police to DDOT.  TPI Committee members thought that DDOT oversight of this program was a good idea because it would help with planning efforts to improve safety. There was discussion about whether moving to civil enforcement might cause an increase in violations, at least for a time. 
• Increased Cost of Residential Parking Permits.  There was consensus among Committee members to draft a resolution for the Dupont Circle ANC’s consideration in support of the DC Council’s modest increases in the cost for residential parking permits (RPP), currently $35/annually for each car registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles ($25/annually for seniors). The proposed RPP fees will be higher for individuals with multiple vehicles.  

 

Summary of Dupont Circle ANC 2B
Transportation & Public Infrastructure (TPI) Committee Meeting
June 26, 2019, 7 p.m., Dupont Resource Center, 9 Dupont Circle NW

• Update on Restore Mass Ave’s Efforts to Restore Tree Canopy.  TPI Committee members heard a presentation from Deborah Shapely of the nonprofit organization Restore Mass Ave (RMA), which is seeking to restore the tree canopy on Embassy Row.  RMA was awarded $30,000 to develop by the Chesapeake Bay Trust to develop a “permit-ready” plan for the for a tree plaza on the northwest corner of Massachusetts Avenue on the west side of Dupont Circle. The plan for the Dupont Tree Plaza that has been developed involves excavating and replacing the paved area with new native trees and plantings, and integrated stormwater bioretention system, permeable pavers, a pollinator rain garden, and new area lighting. restoremassave.org/dupont-tree-plaza/  RMA is seeking the Dupont Circle ANC’s endorsement for the project.  

• • Committee members generally supported the project. 
  • Noting that the site is currently one of DC’s most frequently used Capital Bikeshare stations, TPI members expressed the desire that the 46 docks be retained either in their present location or in an area in close proximity. 
  • Committee members urged RMA to continue to engage with community stakeholders like Fresh Farm, Dupont Circle BID, Dupont Historic Main Streets, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), and the ANC 2B on the development and design of the project. 

• Discussion of DDOT’s Connecticut Ave. Streetscape Project.  TPI Committee members had a discussion regarding the 30% preliminary design options for DDOT’s Connecticut Ave NW Streetscape and Deck-Over project presented at a public meeting on June 25, 2019. Community members present at this meeting were stunned to see that the plan presented by DDOT did NOT include protected bike lanes that everyone had expected and wanted.  The reason given was that DDOT was putting the plans for these protected bike lanes on hold until it completed some plans for protected bike lanes further north. 

• • Committee members noted that the ANC had unanimously passed a resolution in February 2019 calling for bike lanes on Connecticut Avenue to link the soon-to-be constructed protected bikeway that ends at 20th and Q Streets NW with protected bike lanes to Columbia Road.  
  • There was strong agreement that protected bike lanes should remain a part of the project.  
  • Someone noted that DDOT Director Jeff Marootian said on Twitter on June 26, 2019: “I have heard & appreciate the constructive feedback at last night’s Dupont Circle meeting. While we planned to complete the full study of bike lanes for all of CT Ave before designing them for this segment, we will put them into this portion now while the larger study is ongoing.”

• Discussion of DDOT’s Plans to Designate Commercial Pick-Up/Drop-Off Zones (PUDOs).  TPI Committee members had a discussion regarding June 20, 2019, Notice of Intent (NOI# 19-06-12-PGTD) letter regarding its plans to designate nine areas as “No Parking /Loading Zone” for the period of August 1, 2019 to October 30, 2019, for research and data collection pertaining to pilot commercial pick-up/drop-off zones (PUDOs] wiki.ddot.dc.gov/display/NOI/NOI-19-06-12-PGTD.  One of the nine locations chosen for DDOT’s research on commercial PUDOs where no-parking restrictions will be implemented is the 1400 block of 20th Street NW (which lies within ANC 2B).  

• • Committee members supported DDOT’s efforts to develop commercial PUDOs.
  • Committee members noted that the 1400 block of 20th Street NW generally does not have much commercial or passenger loading and unloading traffic and therefore may not provide very useful data. 
• Transportation Benefits Equity Amendment Act of 2019. TPI Committee members were informed about a bill that has been introduced in the DC Council:  B23-0148 – The Transportation Benefits Equity Amendment Act of 2019 lims.dccouncil.us/ Legislation/B23-0148.  The proposed bill would require DC employers who give commuter subsidy benefits to their employees to give equal benefits to employees who do not drive to work.
  
• DDOT’s 16th Street Bus Lane Project.  TPI Committee members heard an update regarding DDOT’s 16th Street NW Bus Lane project, the goal of which is to improve the performance and reliability of buses on 16th Street NW between H Street NW and Arkansas Avenue NW www.16thstreetnwbus.com/.  Some community members have raised concerns about the plan to extend rush hour parking restrictions on both sides of 16th Street during peak a.m. and p.m. rush periods from Scott Circle to U Street. 
  • It was noted that the ANC had weighed in on this plan in 2017, and DDOT’s plan is generally consistent with what the ANC asked for.
  • TPI Chair Downs agreed that he would encourage DDOT to host a community meeting to inform us of the status of the project and present data and information pertinent to this issue. 

• DDOT Request for Help with Planter Boxes.  TPI Committee members were apprised of a proposal by DDOT to install planter boxes in select locations along the 15th St protected bike lane to improve safety.  DDOT would move on this proposal only if they can find a community organization to adopt and maintain the planter boxes. 
• DDOT’s Efforts to Improve Safety at U, 16th St., and New Hampshire Ave., NW.  TPI Committee members received an update regarding DDOT’s efforts to improve safety at the intersection of U St, 16th St, and New Hampshire NW. Bicyclists have reported that the timing on the green light bike signal is too short.  DDOT is looking into the matter.

Summary of Dupont Circle ANC 2B
Transportation & Public Infrastructure (TPI) Committee Meeting
Oct. 23, 2019, 7 p.m., Dupont Resource Center, 9 Dupont Circle NW

Discussion Regarding the Proposed K Street Transitway: https://ddot.dc.gov/page/k-street-transitway

TPI Committee Chair Randy Downs reported that the DC Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) held two design charrettes in October 2019 for residents to contribute their ideas regarding the design of the proposed K Street Transitway between 12th Street NW and 21st Street NW.  The October 2019 design charrettes were led by Haley Peckett of DDOT’s Planning and Sustainability Division. Several TPI Committee members attended.

The purpose of the K Street Transitway project is to reconfigure the K Street, NW, corridor to make more efficient and effective use of the right of way for multimodal travel. Planners have been working on the K Street Transitway for over a decade, and Mayor Bowser is strongly pushing the project. Charrette attendees were asked to weigh in specifically on options for protected bike lanes and on loading zones. 

The options for protected bike lanes on the K Street Transitway are to have them to the left of the main travel lanes, adjacent to the transitway or to have them on the right side of the roadway, against the sidewalk. There are pros and cons for these two options, but the general consensus at both the charette and the TPI Committee meeting was that having the bike lane in the middle of K Street was preferred.  

For loading zones, the options are to have loading on only one side of the street or on both sides of the street.  It was generally agreed at both the charette and the TPI Committee meeting that loading on both the north and south sides of the transitway was the only option that made sense. 

The TPI Committee agreed to recommend that the ANC adopt a resolution in support of locating protected bike lanes in the center of K Street and locating loading zones on both the north and south sides of the transitway. 

Past action by ANC 2B on the matter: “.”

Presentation by Pepco Regarding the Capital Grid Project: 

Representatives of PEPCO gave a presentation regarding the planned Capital Grid Project.  The multi-year project involves the following:

• Building a new 10-mile underground transmission line to connect the substations and create a networked system through which we deliver electricity to their customers 
• Upgrading three existing substations in the District and Maryland (Takoma, Champlain, Harvard) 
• Constructing one new substation to serve areas projected to see high growth (Mt. Vernon Square)

Construction on the project is slated to begin in March 2020 and continue for about three years.  In Ward 2, the new high-voltage underground transmission line will be built on Florida Avenue NW near the Champlain Substation, on 16th Street NW from Florida Avenue  NW to T Street NW, and on T Street NW east of 16th Street NW.  

TPI Committee members made several suggestions to PEPCO representatives about the project, emphasizing the importance of good communication with the public during construction.  PEPCO representatives stated that each affected area will have 24/7 access to a communication coordinator and a dedicated website.

The TPI Committee agreed to recommend that the ANC adopt a resolution asking DDOT in its oversight role with respect to PEPCO to ensure that PEPCO adheres to DC’s safe accommodations regulations during construction and to locate newly constructed manholes out of the bike lane on T Street, N.W.  

Chair’s Update on Ongoing Transportation-Related Projects 

TPI Committee Chair Randy Downs updated the committee on proposed and ongoing ANC 2B transportation and public infrastructure projects:

• 17th Street NW:  DDOT eliminated the morning peak reversible lane operation along 17th Street NW between Massachusetts Avenue NW and H Street NW, effective, October 21, 2019.  So far, things seem to be going smoothly. 
• Dupont Circle Sunday Farmers’ Market:  Chair Downs has been in discussion with the Farmers’ Market about concerns related to crowding on the sidewalk and other matters. 

Summary of Dupont Circle ANC 2B
Transportation & Public Infrastructure (TPI) Committee Meeting
Sept. 25, 2019, 7 p.m., Dupont Resource Center, 9 Dupont Circle NW

Discussion Regarding Improvements to H and I Streets NW Permanent Dedicated Bus Lanes— DDOT Notice of Intent #19-004-TDD:  

TPI Committee Chair Randy Downs reported that the DC Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) is planning to make the pilot study of dedicated bus lanes on H and I Streets NW permanent, effective November 12, 2019. DDOT has been conducting a pilot study of the dedicated H and I Street NW bus lanes that officially ended on Sept. 2, 2019. The I Street dedicated bus lane starts at 13th Street NW and ends at Pennsylvania Avenue NW; the H Street dedicated bus lane stretches from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to 14th Street NW. 

• Effective Nov. 12, 2019, DDOT intends to extend the effective hours of the bus lanes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday to reduce confusion about when the red-painted bus lanes are in effect. During those periods, parking will not be permitted.
• To meet the critical loading and freight needs of businesses that will be impacted by the bus lanes, DDOT also intends to create loading zones on the opposite side of the street of the bus lanes (south curb of I Street and north curb of H Street).

DDOT is soliciting written comments on its intent to implement these plans (comments due November 4, 2019).

TPI Committee discussion:

• Committee members unanimously applauded DDOT’s decision to make the dedicated bus lanes and loading zones on H and I Streets NW permanent, regarding the core elements of the plan as a major step towards facilitating improvements in mass transit.
• Committee members suggested that DDOT consider improvements to the signage and marking used for the bus lanes to make them more easily understandable.
• Committee members suggested that DDOT undertake a public education campaign regarding interpreting whatever signage it eventually adopts.
• Committee members suggested that DDOT continue to monitor the corridor with an eye to creating additional loading zones as warranted.

It was agreed that the TPI Committee would prepare a resolution for the ANC’s consideration that regarding DDOT’s plans to make the dedicated bus lanes on H and I Streets NW permanent.

Past action by ANC 2B on the matter: H Street and I Street NW Summer 2019 Bus Lanes Pilot Project (DDOT)

Discussion Regarding WMATA’s Proposed Changes to Metrobus Route 42, 43, L1, and L2  

The TPI Committee discussed changes proposed by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to Metrobus routes 42, 43, L1, and L2. This discussion was based on an 18-page document that TPI Chair Downs handed out at the meeting: namely, an October 2019 WMATA document entitled “Metrobus Service Evaluation Study: Mount Pleasant Line: 41, 43; Connecticut Avenue Line: L1, L2: Technical Memorandum #3, Service Plan Recommendations” (https://www.wmata.com/service/bus/upload/Final-Service-Recommendations.pdf).

• Routes 42, 43—Mt. Pleasant Line. For Metrobus routes 42, 43, WMATA is proposing to convert some route 42 trips to route 43 trips (43s go under Dupont Circle, thus bypassing the Dupont Circle Metrorail station). During most off-peak periods, WMATA would operate every other trip as a route 43 and would extend some route 43 trips to Gallery Place.  WMATA has is also proposing to eliminate the last late-night roundtrip bus on route 42.
  • Committee members discussed WMATA’s recommendations regarding changes to Metrobus routes 42, 43 at great length. They questioned whether the proposed changes would result in service improvements for bus riders over the current schedule, in particular, residents who rely exclusively on the bus to get to work, seniors, people with disabilities, and riders traveling with infants and small children.  Committee members noted that converting Metrobus route 42 trips to route 43 trips between Gallery Place/Metro Center and Mt. Pleasant during non-rush-hour periods would mean fewer route 42 buses stopping at the Dupont Circle Metrorail station. Dupont Circle is the hub for transfers not only to the Metro but also to multiple other bus routes (D2; D6, N2, N4, G2, L1, L2). Whatever savings in transit time between Gallery Place and Mt. Pleasant that might be achieved by routing buses under Dupont Circle would be offset for route 42 riders by the reduced number of buses, entailing as much as 30-minute waits for those boarding the bus between S and N Streets, N.W. The elimination of the last late-night roundtrip bus on route 42 was seen as a reduction in bus service for DC residents who rely on it. Committee members were generally of the view that several of WMATA’s proposals seemed to be reducing service and convenience on a heavily used line rather than encouraging the use of public transit.

• Routes L1 and L2—Connecticut Avenue Line.  For Metrobus routes L1, L2, WMATA recommended five service changes, including bus stop consolidation and discontinuing route L1 in the Potomac Park area.  

• Committee members expressed concerns that WMATA’s proposed changes Metrobus routes L1, L2 would reduce service on this line, as well.  Several expressed the view that Connecticut Avenue NW is already underserved and inconsistently served by Metrobuses.  Committee members recommended that WMATA extend bus service on these routes, including restoring the Kennedy Center terminus for the Metrobus route L2.

It was agreed that the TPI Committee would prepare a resolution for the ANC’s consideration that incorporated the key points made by committee members regarding WMATA’s proposed Metrobus routes 42, 43, L1, and L2.

A public hearing to discuss proposed changes to Metrobus routes will be held by WMATA on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019, at the Metro Headquarters Building beginning at 4:30 p.m. (https://wmata.com/service/bus/upload/B19-03-SOGO-2019-Notice_English-FINAL-1.PDF).

Residents can submit written comments to WMATA at https://www.wmata.com/service/bus/learn-more-about-mt-pleasant-connecticut-ave-lines.cfm

Past actions by ANC 2B on these matters:

Proposed Changes to Metrobus Routes L1 and L2 (WMATA) (DDOT)

Proposed Changes to Metrobus Routes 42 and 43 (WMATA) (DDOT)

DDOT’s Final Report for the 20th/21st/22nd Street NW Protected Bike Lanes 

TPI Committee Chair Downs reported that after reviewing all of the public comments received and the ANC 2A and 2B resolutions, as well as the safety and operational considerations of the three alternatives, DDOT has selected a recommended hybrid alternative for the protected bike lanes. In ANC 2A (Foggy Bottom), the north-south protected bike lane will be built on 21^st St., NW.  In ANC 2B (Dupont Circle), DDOT ratified ANC 2B’s request for putting the protected bike lane on 20^th St. NW.

Other Items Raised by Committee Members

Dupont Circle Sunday Farmers’ Market: Some Committee members raised various concerns related to the operation of the farmers’ market (e.g., overcrowding, dogs in the market where food is sold, booths on sidewalks between Q St. NW and Massachusetts Ave., NW). Members agreed to meet informally with market personnel to discuss these matters.

Bike and Scooter “Micromobility” Corral at 20^th and Q Streets NW. DDOT has been installing on-street micromobility corrals to provide a parking area for e-scooters, bikes, mopeds, and other dockless vehicles, some of which are now being strewn on the sidewalks.  Each corral can accommodate six bicycles and six scooters. It was noted that the newly installed micromobility corral at 20^th and Q Streets is sometimes not utilized, perhaps because people do not know what the corrals are for. A suggestion was made to improve the signage.

16^th Street NW Bus Lane Project Parking Restrictions.  As part of the 16th Street NW Bus Lane project to be implemented in 2020, DDOT plans to extend rush hour parking restrictions on both sides of 16th Street during peak a.m. and p.m. rush periods from Scott Circle to U Street. 

TPI Chair Downs and TPI Committee member Susan Volman reported that they have connected with DDOT to gain additional data and rationale underlying DDOT’s decision about rush hour parking restrictions.

DDOT is scheduled to complete the 100% design plans at the end of 2019 and implementation will start in 2020. Past actions by ANC on the matter: “DDOT’s 16th Street NW Bus Lanes Project,” “DDOT’s 16th Street NW Transit Priority Planning Study.”